Sega Extends Refund Policy and Announces Updates for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition Amid Mixed Reviews
Sega Responds to Player Feedback with Refund Extensions and Planned Updates
In response to the mixed reception of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition, Sega has taken significant steps to address player concerns. The company has extended the game’s refund window, introduced a substantial discount for upgrades, and committed to releasing a series of patches to improve the overall experience.
What Is the Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition?
This edition is a re-release of Relic Entertainment’s acclaimed 2011 action game, Space Marine. Unlike a typical remaster, both Games Workshop and Sega emphasize that this version focuses on quality-of-life improvements and graphical enhancements to elevate the original game experience. Major upgrades include higher-resolution textures, 4K support, improved character models, and a modernized control scheme paired with an interface overhaul. Additionally, the audio has been remastered to provide a richer sound experience.
Launch Details and Player Response
Released on June 10 for Xbox Series X and S and PC, with the game available immediately through Xbox Game Pass, the game has garnered a mixed response on Steam. While it performs well on Game Pass, the Steam version, priced at $39.99 (approximately £34.99), has received predominantly negative reviews from users. The main issues cited include the high price relative to the minimal changes from the Anniversary Edition, usability problems, and perplexing visual updates.
Community Concerns and Sega’s Latest Measures
Many fans believe that Sega should have offered the Master Crafted Edition as a free update or at a discounted rate for owners of the original game. Addressing these concerns, Sega issued a statement promising to improve transparency and support. The company announced that it has extended the refund period until July 10, allowing players to request a full refund regardless of gameplay duration, as long as they do so before the deadline. This extension coincides with the end of the Steam Summer Sale.
Upgrade Discount for Existing Owners
In response to community requests, Sega now offers a 50% discount for those who already own the Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Anniversary Edition. Players can purchase the Master Crafted Edition at half price until July 10, 2025. To take advantage of this offer, owners must request a refund of their current purchase through Steam Support and then repurchase the game at the discounted rate.
Ongoing and Upcoming Improvements
Sega has outlined a comprehensive patch roadmap to address bugs and enhance gameplay. The upcoming updates will focus on user interface improvements, better compatibility with Steam Deck, and networking stability. The company emphasizes that they will continue listening to player feedback and refining the game accordingly.
Key Features of the Patch Roadmap
- Localization: Improved translations for Dutch, Polish, and Italian, along with better support for game modes, controller options, and key terms.
- UI/UX Enhancements: Major updates to chat, scoreboard, HUD, and menu layouts. New visual effects, button prompts, and fixes for graphical glitches and input issues.
- Gameplay Fixes: Resolved softlocks, restored co-op tokens, improved challenge displays, and fixed campaign loading issues.
- Platform Support: Enhanced compatibility for Steam Deck, with improved controller disconnect handling on PC.
- Networking: Fixes to session code visibility, invite handling, lobby stability, and P2P connection consistency.
- Technical Improvements: Moving local user data to prevent crashes, improving loadout memory safety, and refining animations.
- Audio & Visuals: Corrected missing or duplicated sound effects, updated button graphics, and fixed visual effects issues.
What’s Next for Warhammer Games?
While Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition has faced criticism, the broader series continues to thrive. Titles like Space Marine 2 are receiving positive feedback, signaling a strong future for Warhammer video games. The upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition is also highly anticipated, promising further high-quality experiences for fans.
Wesley is the Director of News at IGN. Reach him on Twitter at @wyp100 or contact him via email for more updates on gaming news.